Plasticizer composition, resin composition and methods for preparing thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a plasticizer composition, a resin composition and methods for preparing thereof, and, by improving poor physical properties having been caused by structural limitation, provides a plasticizer capable of improving physical properties such as plasticizing efficiency, a migration property, tensile strength, an elongation rate, stress migration and light resistance required for sheet formularization when used as a plasticizer of a resin composition, and a resin composition comprising the same.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage Entry of International Application No. PCT/KR2016/002788 filed on Mar. 18, 2016, and claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2015-0039000, filed on Mar. 20, 2015, Korean Application No. 10-2015-041793, filed on Mar. 25, 2015, and Korean Application No. 10-2016-0032375, filed on Mar. 17, 2016, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a plasticizer composition, a resin composition and methods for preparing the plasticizer thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

In common plasticizers, alcohols react with polycarboxylic acids such as phthalic acid and adipic acid to prepare esters corresponding thereto. In addition, studies on plasticizer compositions capable of replacing phthalate-based plasticizers such as terephthalate-based, adipate-based and other polymer-based have been continued considering domestic and overseas restrictions on phthalate-based plasticizers harmful to the human body.

Meanwhile, for manufacturing flooring materials, wallpapers, products in sheet industries and the like, proper plasticizers need to be used considering discoloration, a migration property, processibility and the like. A plasticizer, a filler, a stabilizer, a viscosity depressant, a dispersant, an antifoaming agent, a foaming agent and the like are mixed to a PVC resin depending on tensile strength, an elongation rate, light resistance, a migration property, a gelling property, processibility or the like, properties required for each industry in such various applications.

As one example, when using dioctyl terephthalate that is relatively inexpensive among plasticizer compositions capable of being used in PVC, viscosity has been high, an absorption rate of the plasticizer has relatively decreased, and a migration property has not been favorable as well.

Accordingly, continuous studies on technologies capable of being optimally used as a plasticizer for vinyl chloride-based resins, which are achieved through developing products superior to the existing dioctyl terephthalate, or products of new compositions including dioctyl terephthalate, have been required.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

In view of the above, while continuously performing researches on plasticizers, the inventors of the present invention have identified a plasticizer composition capable of improving poor physical properties having been caused by structural limitation, and completed the present invention.

In other words, an object of the present invention is to provide a plasticizer capable of improving physical properties such as plasticizing efficiency, a migration property and a gelling property required in formularization of sheets and the like when used as a plasticizer of a resin composition, a method for preparing the same, and a resin composition comprising the same.

Technical Solution

One embodiment of the present invention provides a plasticizer composition comprising a mixture of terephthalate-based material; and epoxidized oil, wherein weight ratio of the terephthalate-based material and the epoxidized oil is from 99:1 to 1:99.

The weight ratio of the terephthalate-based material and the epoxidized oil may be from 95:5 to 50:50.

The weight ratio of the terephthalate-based material and the epoxidized oil may be from 95:5 to 60:40.

The mixture of the terephthalate-based material may be a first mixture mixing di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, butyl(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate and dibutyl terephthalate, a second mixture mixing diisononyl terephthalate, butylisononyl terephthalate and dibutyl terephthalate, or a third mixture mixing di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, (2-ethylhexyl)isononyl terephthalate and diisononyl terephthalate.

The first mixture may comprise the di(2-3.0 mol % to 99.0 mol % of ethylhexyl) terephthalate; 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the butyl(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate; and 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the dibutyl terephthalate.

The second mixture may comprise 3.0 mol % to 99.0 mol % of the diisononyl terephthalate; 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the butylisononyl terephthalate; and 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the dibutyl terephthalate.

The third mixture may comprise 3.0 mol % to 99.0 mol % of the di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate in; 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the (2-ethylhexyl)isononyl terephthalate in; and 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the diisononyl terephthalate.

The epoxidized oil may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized castor oil, epoxidized linseed oil, epoxidized palm oil, epoxidized stearate, epoxidized oleate, epoxidized tall oil and epoxidized linoleate.

The plasticizer composition may further comprise an additive, and the additive may comprise an acetyl citrate-based material, a trimellitate-based material or a mixture thereof.

The additive may be included in an amount of 1 part by weight to 100 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the plasticizer composition.

The acetyl citrate-based material may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of a hybrid C4-C9 alkyl substituted acetyl citrate and a non-hybrid C4-C9 alkyl substituted acetyl citrate.

The trimellitate-based material may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of tributyltrimellitate (TBTM), triisononyltrimellitate (TINTM) and tri(2-ethylhexyl)trimellitate (TOTM or TEHTM).

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for preparing a plasticizer composition, the method comprises providing a terephthalate-based material and epoxidized oil; and blending the terephthalate-based material and the epoxidized oil at weight ratio of 99:1 to 1:99 to prepare a plasticizer composition, wherein the terephthalate-based material is a mixture.

The terephthalate-based material may be prepared by conducting direct esterification of an alcohol and a terephthalic acid, wherein the alcohol is at least one selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, isononyl alcohol, butyl alcohol and isobutyl alcohol; or conducting trans esterification of a terephthalate and an alcohol, wherein the terephthalate is any one selected from among di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate or diisononyl terephthalate, and the alcohol is any one selected from among butyl alcohol or isobutyl alcohol.

After the obtaining of a plasticizer composition through blending, the method may further comprise mixing 1 part by weight to 100 parts by weight of an additive based on 100 parts by weight of the plasticizer composition.

Still another embodiment of the present invention provides a resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a resin; and 5 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight of the plasticizer composition of claim 1.

The resin may be at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyketone, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomers.

The resin composition may be material for at least one selected from the group consisting of wires, flooring materials, automotive interior materials, films, sheets, wallpapers and tubes.

Advansageous Effects

A plasticizer composition according to one embodiment of the present invention is capable of providing excellent properties such as migration resistance and volatility resistance as well as excellent plasticizing efficiency, tensile strength and elongation rate when used in a resin composition.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Example

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples. However, the examples according to the present invention may be modified to various other forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the examples described below. The examples of the present invention are provided in order to more completely describe the present invention for those having average knowledge in the art.

Preparation Example 1 Preparation of DOTP/BOTP/DBTP Mixture (First Mixture) (GL500)

To a reactor equipped with a stirrer, a condenser and a decanter, 2000 g of dioctyl terephthalate obtained in Preparation Example 1 and 340 g of n-butanol (17 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the DOTP) were added, and conducted trans-esterification for 2 hours at a reaction temperature of 160° C. under nitrogen atmosphere to prepare an ester-based placitisizer composition comprising dibutyl terephthalate (DBTP), butylisononyl terephthalate (BINTP) and diisononyl terephthalate (DINTP) in ranges of 4.0% by weight, 35.0% by weight and 61.0% by weight, respectively.

The reaction product was conducted mixed distillation to remove butanol and 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, and a first mixture was finally prepared.

Preparation Example 2 Preparation of DINTP/OINTP/DOTP Mixture (Third Mixture) (GL100)

To a 4-neck 3 liter reactor provided with a cooler, a condenser, a decanter, a reflux pump, a temperature controller, a stirrer and the like, 498.0 g of purified terephthalic acid (TPA), 975 g of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol (2-EH) (molar ratio of TPA:2-EH was (1.0):(2.5)), 216.5 g of isononyl alcohol (INA) (molar ratio of TPA:2-INA was (1.0):(0.5)), and 1.54 g of a titanium-based catalyst (TIPT, tetra isopropyl titanate) as a catalyst (0.31 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the TPA) were added, and the temperature was slowly raised up to approximately 170° C. water started to be generated near approximately 170° C., and an ester reaction was conducted for approximately 4.5 hours while continuously adding nitrogen gas at a reaction temperature of approximately 220° C. and under atmospheric pressure, and the reaction was completed when an acid value reached 0.01.

After the reaction was complete, extractive distillation was conducted for 0.5 hours to 4 hours under reduced pressure in order to remove unreacted raw materials. Steam distillation was conducted for 0.5 hours to 3 hours under reduced pressure using steam in order to remove unreacted raw materials to a specific content level or lower, and neutralization was conducted using an alkali solution after cooling the reaction solution to approximately 90° C. Water washing may be additionally conducted and then the reaction solution was dehydrated to remove moisture. A filter medium was added to the moisture-removed reaction solution, and the result was stirred for a certain period of time and then filtered to finally prepare a third mixture.

Preparation Example 3 Preparation of TOTM

384.2 g of trimellitic acid and 1171 g of octanol were used as reaction raw materials to finally prepare 1071 g of trioctyl trimellitate (yield: 98%).

Preparation Example 4 Preparation of TINTM

384.2 g of trimellitic acid and 1230 g of isononyl alcohol were used as reaction raw materials to finally prepare 1154 g of triisononyl trimellitate (yield: 98%).

Preparation Example 5 Preparation of TBTM

576.3 g of trimellitic acid and 1000 g of butanol were used as reaction raw materials to finally prepare 1124 g of tributyl trimellitate (yield: 99%).

Preparation Example 6 Preparation of ATOC

384 g of citric acid and 1014 g of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol were used as reaction materials to prepare 1029 g of trioctyl citrate (trioctyl(2-ethylhexyl) citrate) (yield: 98%). 1119 g of acetyl trioctyl citrate (yield: 98%) was finally prepared by using 214 g of acetic anhydride and the trioctyl citrate.

Preparation Example 7 Preparation of ATBC

384 g of citric acid and 1000 g of butanol were used as reaction raw materials to prepare 706 g of tributyl citrate (yield: 98%). 789 g of acetyl tributyl citrate (yield: 98%) was finally prepared by using 214 g of acetic anhydride and the tributyl citrate.

Plasticizer compositions of Examples 1 to 4 were prepared using the materials prepared in Preparation Examples 1 to 9 and epoxidized oil, and the preparations are summarized in the following Tables 1 to 6. Physical property evaluations on the plasticizer compositions were conducted according to the following test items.

TABLE 1 Terephthalate- Epoxidized Mixing Weight based Material Oil Ratio Example 1-1 Preparation ESO 7:3 Example 1-2 Example 1 5:5 Example 1-3 DOTP/BOTP/DBTP ELO 7:3

TABLE 2 Terephthalate- Epoxidized Mixing Weight based Material Oil Ratio Example 2-1 Preparation ESO 7:3 Example 2-2 Example 2 5:5 Example 2-3 DINTP/OINTP/DOTP ELO 7:3

TABLE 3 Mixing Terephthalate- Epoxidized Weight based Material Oil Additive Ratio Exam- Preparation ESO TOTM 4:3:3 ple 3-1 Example 1 (Approximately DOTP/BOTP/DBTP 43 Parts) Exam- TOTM 5:1:4 ple 3-2 (Approximately 67 Parts) Exam- TBTM 8:1:1 ple 3-3 (Approximately 11 Parts) Exam- ATOC 6:2:2 ple 3-4 (Approximately 25 Parts) Exam- ATOC 4:1:5 ple 3-5 (Approximately 100 Parts) Exam- ATBC 5:2:3 ple 3-6 (Approximately 43 Parts) Com- TOTM 3:1:6 parative (Approximately Exam- 150 Parts) ple 3-1

<Test Items>

Measurement conditions for the following test items may be for illustrative purposes for describing measurement methods, and specific measurement and evaluation conditions for the test examples using other conditions may be referred to in each of the test examples.

Measurement on Hardness

Shore hardness at 25° C., 3T 10 s, was measured in accordance with the ASTM D2240.

Measurement on Tensile Strength

After pulling a cross head speed at 200 mm/min (1T) using U.T.M (manufacturer; Instron, model name; 4466), a test device, in accordance with the ASTM D638 method, the spot at which the specimen was cut was measured. Tensile strength was calculated as follows: Tensile strength (kgf/mm²)=load value (kgf)/thickness (mm)×width (mm)

Measurement on Elongation Rate

After pulling a cross head speed at 200 mm/min (1T) using the U.T.M in accordance with the ASTM D638 method, the spot at which the specimen was cut was measured, and then an elongation rate was calculated as follows: Elongation rate (%)=[length after elongation/initial length]×100.

Measurement on Tensile and Elongation Retention

Measurement on tensile and elongation retention measures tensile and elongation rate properties remaining on the specimen after applying heat for a certain period of time at a specific temperature, and the methods of measurement are the same as the methods measuring the tensile strength and the elongation rate.

Measurement on Migration Loss

A specimen having a thickness of 2 mm or greater was prepared in accordance with the KSM-3156, and a load of 1 kgf/cm² was applied after attaching PS plates on both surfaces of the specimen. The specimen was left unattended for 72 hours in a forced convection oven (80° C.) and then taken out and cooled for 4 hours at room temperature. After that, the PS plates attached on both surfaces of the specimen were removed, weights before and after leaving the specimen unattended in the oven were measured, and the amount of migration loss was calculated through the equation such as below. Amount of migration loss (%)=[(initial weight of specimen at room temperature-weight of specimen after being left unattended in oven)/initial weight of specimen at room temperature]×100

Measurement on Volatile Loss

After working on the prepared specimen for 72 hours at 80° C., the weight of the specimen was measured. Volatile loss (%)=[(initial specimen weight-specimen weight after working)/initial specimen weight]×100.

Measurement on Absorption Rate

An absorption rate was evaluated such that the resin and the ester compound were mixed to each other under a condition of 77 and 60 rpm using a Planatary mixer (Brabender, P600), and the time taken for the torque of the mixer to be stabilized was measured.

Stress Test

As for the stress test, the specimen was left unattended for a certain period of time as being bent, and the degree of migration (the degree of oozing) was observed and expressed as a number. The number being closer to 0 represents excellent properties.

Measurement on Light Resistance

The specimen was held in QUV and UV irradiated for 200 hours in accordance with the method of ASTM 4329-13, and then a change in the color was calculated using a reflectometer.

Measurement on Thermal Resistance

The degree of discoloration in the initial specimen and the specimen after the volatile loss test using the volatile loss measuring method was measured. The measurement value was determined by the changed values in an E value with respect to L,a and b values using a colorimeter.

Measurement on Cold Resistance

5 prepared specimens were left unattended for 3 minutes at a specific temperature and then were hit, and a temperature at which 3 out of the 5 specimens were destroyed was measured.

Test Example 1 First Mixture-based Mixed Plasticizer Composition

Mixed plasticizer compositions were prepared by mixing DOTP with ESO or ELO at the mixing ratios of Examples 1-1 to 1-3 listed in Table 1, and these were used as specimens for the tests.

As for the preparation of the specimens, the specimens were prepared by, referring to the ASTM D638, mixing 50 parts by weight of the mixed plasticizer composition and 3 parts by weight of a stabilizer (BZ153T) to 100 parts by weight of PVC in a 3 L super mixer under 98° C. and 700 rpm, then making a 5 mm sheet by working on the result for 4 minutes at 160° C. using a roll mill, and then making a 1 mm to 3 mm sheet after pressing the result for 2.5 minutes at a low pressure and 2 minutes at a high pressure at 180° C. Physical properties were evaluated as each of the evaluation items described above using each specimen, and the results are summarized in the following Table 4.

TABLE 4 Hardness Tensile Elongation Migration Volatile (Shore Strength Rate Loss Loss Absorption Stress Plasticizer “A”) (kg/cm²) (%) (%) (%) Rate Test Example ESO 81.6 212.0 361.7 4.32 2.08 4:15 1.5 1-1 (3) Example ESO 81.6 209.5 368.0 3.27 1.67 4:20 1.0 1-2 (5) Example ELO 81.2 210.7 356.5 3.80 2.08 4:10 1.0 1-3 (3) Comparative DOTP 83.7 210.0 354.5 6.38 1.82 6:48 3.0 Example 1 Hardness: 3 T, 10 s Tensile strength and elongation rate: 1 T, 200 mm/min Migration loss: 80° C., 1 T, 1 kgf/cm², 72 hr Volatile loss: 100° C., 72 hr Absorption rate: 88° C. Stress test: 23° C., 168 hr

As shown in Table 4, it was identified that Examples 1-1 to 1-3 preparing the plasticizer composition by mixing epoxidized oil with the first mixture, a terephthalate-based material, exhibited an equal or higher level in the physical properties such as tensile strength, volatile loss, migration loss and an elongation rate compared to the existing DOTP plasticizer of Comparative Example 1.

As above, it was identified that when a plasticizer composition prepared by mixing a terephthalate-based material and epoxidized oil, the plasticizer composition was capable of enhancing resistance for migration loss or stress while having an equal or higher level of basic physical properties of a plasticizer, resulted in more improved hardness and an elongation rate, and was capable of enhancing processibility through a higher absorption rate.

Test Example 2 Second Mixture-Based Mixed Plasticizer Composition

Mixed plasticizer compositions were prepared by mixing the second mixture with ESO or ELO at the mixing ratios of Examples 2-1 to 2-3 listed in Table 2, and these were used as specimens for the tests. The preparation of the specimens was the same as in Test Example 1 and the physical property evaluations were carried out in the same manner as in Test Example 1, and the results are shown in the following Table 5.

TABLE 5 Hardness Tensile Elongation Migration Volatile Absorption (Shore Strength Rate Loss Loss Rate Stress Plasticizer “A”) (kg/cm²) (%) (%) (%) (m:s) Test Example ESO 82.5 216.8 373.6 5.07 0.69 4:52 1.5 4-1 (3) Example ESO 81.8 211.1 374.9 3.69 0.59 4:45 1.0 4-2 (5) Example ELO 81.4 213.5 378.5 3.88 0.47 4:38 1.0 4-3 (3) Comparative DOTP 83.7 210.0 354.5 6.38 1.82 6:48 3.0 Example 1

As shown in Table 5, it was identified that the plasticizer composition of Examples 2-1 to 2-5 prepared by mixing epoxidized oil and the first mixture (a terephthalate-based material) exhibited an equal or higher level in the physical properties such as tensile strength, volatile loss, migration loss and an elongation rate compared to the existing DOTP plasticizer of Comparative Example 1.

As above, it was identified that when a plasticizer composition was prepared by mixing a terephthalate-based material and epoxidized oil, the plasticizer composition was capable of enhancing migration loss or resistance for stress while having an equal or higher level of basic physical properties of a plasticizer, still maintained properties in high-temperature environments due to particularly improved volatile loss, and in addition to these, resulted in more improved hardness and an elongation rate, and was capable of enhancing processibility through a higher absorption rate.

Test Example 3 Mixed Plasticizer Composition of First Mixture, ESO and Additive

Mixed plasticizer compositions were prepared by mixing the additives of Examples 3-1 to 3-6 listed in Table 3 at the mixing ratios of Examples 3-1 to 3-6 listed in Table 3, and these were used as specimens for the tests.

As for the preparation of the specimens, the specimens were prepared by, referring to the ASTM D638, mixing 50 parts by weight of the mixed plasticizer composition, 40 parts by weight of a filler (OMYA1T), 5 parts by weight of a stabilizer (RUP-144) and 0.3 parts by weight of a lubricant (St-A) to 100 parts by weight of PVC in a 3 L super mixer under 98° C. and 700 rpm, making a compound by working on the result for 4 minutes at 160° C. using a roll mill, and then pressing the result for 2.5 minutes at a low pressure and 2 minutes at a high pressure at 180° C. Physical properties were evaluated as each of the evaluation items described above using each specimen, and the results are summarized in the following Table 6.

TABLE 6 Hardness Tensile Tensile Elongation Elongation Migration Volatile Plasticizer (Shore Strength Retention Rate Retention Loss Loss Stress (wt %) “A”) (kg/cm²) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) Test Example TOTM 90.1 183.5 98.6 321.5 95.8 1.03 2.85 0 3-1 Example TOTM 89.6 185.7 99.2 312.4 93.2 1.26 3.21 0 3-2 Example TBTM 85.6 179.6 96.8 307.8 99.7 1.85 5.21 0.5 3-3 Example ATOC 87.5 188.2 99.3 310.2 93.5 1.18 3.05 0.5 3-4 Example ATOC 90.2 192.1 98.9 304.9 92.8 0.89 2.62 0 3-5 Example ATBC 88.2 187.4 97.2 318.7 98.8 1.18 4.13 0 3-6 Comparative DIDP 89.7 174.3 97.0 305.6 92.6 1.45 4.88 0 Example 2 Comparative TOTM 92.8 192.6 86.4 288.5 89.1 0.85 2.38 0 Example 3-1 Hardness: 3 T, 10 s Tensile strength and elongation rate: 1 T, 200 mm/min Tensile retention and elongation retention: 121° C., 168 hr Migration loss: 80° C., 1 T, 1 kgf/cm², 72 hr Volatile loss: 113° C., 168 hr Stress test: 23° C., 168 hr

As shown in Table 6, the plasticizer composition of Examples 3-1 to 3-6 were prepared by mixing epoxidized oil and DOP (a terephthalate-based material) and further adding TOTM and TBTM among trimellitate-based materials, acetyl trialkyl citrate and the like as the additive. It was identified that the plasticizer composition of Examples 3-1 to 3-6 exhibited an equal or higher level in the physical properties such as tensile strength, volatile loss, migration loss and an elongation rate compared to the existing DIDP plasticizer of Comparative Example 2. In the case of the volatile loss, ATBC and TBTM having a relatively small molecular weight exhibited similar values compared to Comparative Example 2. This indicates that an overall physical property level may be adjusted to the equal or higher physical property level compared to DIDP through effective adjustment in the product composition ratio, and securing more superior products not only in product physical properties but also in economic feasibility becomes possible therethrough.

Existing DIDP plasticizers have excellent physical properties, but are a material having restrictions on the use due to environmental problems, and by additionally adding a trimellitate-based material, it was identified that plasticizer compositions capable of replacing the existing DIDP plasticizers may be provided in compound industries and the like.

Hereinbefore, preferred examples of the present invention has been described in detail, however, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements of those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the claims are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Mode For Carrying Out The Invention

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

First, the present invention has technological features in providing a plasticizer composition capable of improving poor physical properties having been caused by structural limitation.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plasticizer composition comprising a terephthalate-based material may be provided. Specifically, the terephthalate-based material may be included in an amount selected from a range of from 1 wt % to 99 wt %, from 20 wt % to 99 wt %, from 40 wt % to 99 wt %, from 50 wt % to 95 wt %, from 60 wt % to 90 wt %, or the like, based on the total weight of the composition.

As one example, the terephthalate-based material may have a terminal group independently selected from the group consisting of C1-C12 alkyl groups, C3-C11 alkyl groups, C4-C10 alkyl groups, C8-C10 alkyl groups, C8-C9 alkyl groups or C8 alkyl group.

The terephthalate-based material may be a mixture of three kinds of terephthalate-based materials are mixed, and for example, may be a first mixture mixing di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, butyl(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate and dibutyl terephthalate, a second mixture mixing diisononyl terephthalate, butylisononyl terephthalate and dibutyl terephthalate, and a third mixture mixing di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, (2-ethylhexyl)isononyl terephthalate and diisononyl terephthalate.

Specifically, the first mixture to the third mixture may have specific composition ratios, and the first mixture may have 3.0 mol % to 99.0 mol % of the di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the butyl(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate and 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the dibutyl terephthalate; the second mixture may have 3.0 mol % to 99.0 mol % of the diisononyl terephthalate, 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the butylisononyl terephthalate and 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the dibutyl terephthalaten; and the third mixture may have 3.0 mol % to 99.0 mol % of the di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the (2-ethylhexyl)isononyl terephthalate and 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the diisononyl terephthalate.

The composition ratio may be a mixing composition ratio produced by an esterification, or an intended composition ratio by additionally adding specific compounds, and the mixing composition ratio may be properly adjusted to be suitable for target physical properties.

In addition, according to one embodiment, the plasticizer composition may further comprise epoxidized oil, and for example, the epoxidized oil may comprise epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized castor oil, epoxidized linseed oil, epoxidized palm oil, epoxidized stearate, epoxidized oleate, epoxidized tall oil, epoxidized linoleate or mixtures thereof.

Herein, in the plasticizer composition, weight ratio of the terephthalate-based material and the epoxidized oil may be from 99:1 to 1:99. The weight ratio of the terephthalate-based material and the epoxidized oil may be from 99:1 to 20:80, from 99:1 to 40:60, from 99:1 to 50:50 or from 99:1 to 60:40. And preferably, weight ratio of the terephthalate-based material and the epoxidized oil may be from 95:5 to 50:50 or from 90:10 to 60:40.

When increasing the amount of the epoxidized oil added, a migration resistance property for stress may become excellent. Physical properties such as tensile strength or an elongation rate may somewhat decline, but may be included in the required physical property range. Accordingly, required physical properties may be freely controlled by the epoxidized oil content adjustment, and the epoxidized oil may be properly used depending on the use of a vinyl chloride-based resin composition.

In addition, the epoxidized oil may be preferably included in approximately 10 wt % or greater and more preferably included in 20 wt % or greater with respect to the total amount of the plasticizer composition.

Generally, epoxidized oil is sometimes included as a stabilizing agent when preparing a plasticizer, however, this may be distinguished from the above-mentioned epoxidized oil used as a second plasticizer. Using the terephthalate-based material as a first plasticizer is more environmental-friendly compared to phthalate-based materials such as diisodecyl phthalate having been used in the art as a plasticizer, however, reaching a level suited for commercialization may be difficult in terms of economic feasibility or existing physical properties, and adding epoxidized oil at a level of a stabilizing agent may be difficult to come close to physical properties prepared by existing plasticizers.

However, when using epoxidized oil in 20 wt % or greater, migration resistance or an absorption property may become excellent, an absorption rate may be particularly excellent, and physical properties such as tensile strength or an elongation rate may be equal or better compared to existing phthalate-based plasticizers.

The plasticizer composition comprises a terephthalate-based material and epoxidized oil, and may further comprise an additive. The additive may be included in 1 part by weight to 100 parts by weight and preferably in 1 part by weight to 80 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the plasticizer composition.

The additive may be mixed with the terephthalate-based compound alone and enhance a stress property and the like of a resin composition, however, even when such a small amount of the additive is mixed and included in the plasticizer composition, a compound and the like having excellent physical properties may be prepared. When a larger quantity of the additive is included, physical properties of the plasticizer composition may be out of control in controlling physical properties suitable for application, and problems such as excessively improving undesirable physical properties or declining desirable physical properties may occur.

Specifically, in the mixed plasticizer composition of the terephthalate-based material and the epoxidized oil, if the epoxidized oil is included in excess, the content of the terephthalate-based material is relatively low. In such cases, physical properties such as plasticizing efficiency relating to processibility may not be relatively superior among various physical properties. And such a property may be complemented by further adding the additive.

When using an acetyl citrate-based material, a trimellitate-based material or a mixture thereof as the additive, empty space may be largely formed in the plasticizer composition due to large steric hindrance of the materials, and consequently, effects such as processibility enhancement may be additionally accomplished and preferably, adding materials having a smaller molecular weight among the additives may be more helpful in enhancing processibility.

The acetyl citrate-based material may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of a hybrid C4-C9 alkyl substituted acetyl citrate-based materials and a non-hybrid C4-C9 alkyl substituted acetyl citrate-based materials.

For example, the hybrid C4-C9 alkyl substituted acetyl citrate-based materials may be citrate having a combined substituent of C4-C8 alkyl groups such as 1,2-dibutyl 3-(2-ethylhexyl) 2-acetylpropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate, 1,3-dibutyl 2-(2-ethylhexyl) 2-acetylpropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate, 1-butyl 2,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl) 2-acetylpropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate or 2-butyl 1,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl) 2-acetylpropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate; acetyl citrate having a combined substituent of C5-C7 alkyl groups such as 1,2-dipentyl 3-heptyl 2-acetylpropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate, 1,3-dipentyl 2-heptyl 2-acetylpropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate, 1-pentyl 2,3-diheptyl 2-acetylpropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate or 2-butyl 1,3-diheptyl 2-acetylpropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate, or the like. In addition, the hybrid C4-C9 alkyl substituted acetyl citrate-based materials may be acetyl citrate having a combined substituent of two alkyl groups having a different number of carbon atoms selected from 4 to 9, and the like. The alkyl group may be linear or branched.

In the non-hybrid C4-C9 alkyl substituted acetyl citrate-based materials, the C4-C9 alkyl group may be linear or branched. For example, the non-hybrid C4-C9 alkyl substituted acetyl citrate-based materials may comprise tributyl acetyl citrate (ATBC), tripentyl acetyl citrate (ATPC), trihexyl acetyl citrate (ATHC), triheptyl acetyl citrate (ATHC), trioctyl acetyl citrate (ATOC), trinonyl acetyl citrate (ATNC) or the like, and the butyl group to the nonyl group may comprise each structural isomer, for example, an isobutyl group in the case of the butyl group, and a 2-ethylhexyl group in the case of the octyl group.

Although not limited thereto, the non-hybrid C4-C9 alkyl substituted acetyl citrate may be preferable compared to hybrid alkyl substituted acetyl citrate, and tri(2-ethylhexyl) acetyl citrate may be used little more frequently.

However, when using an acetyl citrate-based material as the additive, the use of the plasticizer may vary depending on the molecular weight, and when the material having a large molecular weight is used, physical properties of the plasticizer oozing out such as migration loss or volatile loss may be complemented, and accordingly, the use in compound industries and the like may be preferable, and in the case of the material having a small molecular weight, the use in the fields requiring excellent processibility may be preferable.

Like the acetyl citrate-based material, the trimellitate-based material may comprise a non-hybrid C4-C9 alkyl trimellitate-based material, and the C4-C9 alkyl group may be linear or branched. For example, the trimellitate-based material may be tributyl trimellitate (TBTM), triisobutyl trimellitate (TiBTM), triethylhexyl trimellitate (TEHTM), triisononyl trimellitate (TINTM) or the like.

As means for preparing the plasticizer composition in the present invention, a blending method may be used, and one example of the blending preparation method is as follows.

The plasticizer composition may be prepared by providing a terephthalate-based material and epoxidized oil, and blending the terephthalate-based material and the epoxidized oil at weight ratio of from 1:99 to 99:1, and the terephthalate-based material is a mixture.

The terephthalate-based material is a mixture of three kinds of terephthalate compounds, and may be prepared by preparing the terephthalate compounds through the direct esterification and mixing the result. The terephthalate compounds may be prepared by conducting the direct esterification of an alcohol and terephthalic acid, and the alcohol is at least one selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, isononyl alcohol, butyl alcohol and isobutyl alcohol.

The direct esterification reaction may be conducted by adding terephthalic acid to an alcohol, then adding a catalyst, and reacting the result under nitrogen atmosphere; removing the unreacted alcohol, and neutralizing the unreacted acid; and dehydrating and filtering through vacuum distillation.

The alcohol used in the blending preparation method may be used 150 mol % to 500 mol %, 200 mol % to 400 mol %, 200 mol % to 350 mol %, 250 mol % to 400 mol % or 270 mol % to 330 mol % based on 100 mol % of the terephthalic acid.

Moreover, the alcohol used in the blending preparation method may be used 150 mol % to 500 mol %, 200 mol % to 400 mol %, 200 mol % to 350 mol %, 250 mol % to 400 mol % or 270 mol % to 330 mol % based on 100 mol % of the terephthalic acid.

Meanwhile, for example, the catalyst used in the blending preparation method may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of acid catalysts such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, paratoluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, propanesulfonic acid, butanesulfonic acid and alkyl sulfuric acid, metal salts such as aluminum sulfate, lithium fluoride, potassium chloride, cesium chloride, calcium chloride, iron chloride and aluminum phosphate, metal oxides such as heteropolyacid, natural/synthetic zeolite, cation and anion exchange resins, and organic metals such as tetra alkyl titanate and polymers thereof. As specific examples thereof, tetra alkyl titanate may be used as the catalyst.

The amount of the catalyst used may be different depending on the types, and as one example, a homogeneous catalyst may be used in an amount of 0.01 wt % to 5 wt %, 0.01 wt % to 3 wt %, 1 wt % to 5 wt % or 2 wt % to 4 wt % based on 100 wt % of the total reactants, and a heterogeneous catalyst may be used in an amount of 5 wt % to 200 wt %, 5 wt % to 100 wt %, 20 wt % to 200 wt % or 20 wt % to 150 wt % based on the total weight of the reactants.

Herein, the reaction temperature may be from 180° C. to 280° C., from 200° C. to 250° C. or from 210° C. to 230° C.

The terephthalate-based material is a mixture of three kinds of terephthalate compounds, and the terephthalate compounds may be prepared by conducting a transesterification of terephthalate compound and an alcohol, the terephthalate compound is any one selected from the group consisting of di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate and diisononyl terephthalate, and the alcohol is selected from any one the group consisting of butyl alcohol and isobutyl alcohol.

The “trans-esterification” used in the present invention means a reaction in which an alcohol and an ester to exchange R″ of the ester with R′ of the alcohol as shown in Reaction Formula 1 below:

According to one embodiment, when the trans-esterification is progressed, 3 kinds of ester compositions may be produced by three number of cases such as alkoxide of the alcohol attacking carbon of two ester (RCOOR″) groups present in the ester-based compound; alkoxide of the alcohol attacking carbon of one ester (RCOOR″) group present in the ester-based compound; and being unreacted with no reactions.

In addition, the trans-esterification has an advantage of not causing a problem of waste water compared to an esterification reaction between acid-alcohol, and may be progressed without a catalyst, and therefore, is capable of solving a problem caused by the use of an acid catalyst.

For example, di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate and butyl alcohol may produce a mixture of di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, butyl(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate and dibutyl terephthalate through the trans-esterification, and the three kinds of terephthalate may be formed in amounts of 3.0 wt % to 70 wt % of di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, 0.5 wt % to 50 wt % of butyl(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, and 0.5 wt % to 85 wt % of dibutyl terephthalate, respectively, and specifically, 10 wt % to 50 wt % of di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, 0.5 wt % to 50 wt % of butyl(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate and 35 wt % to 80 wt % of dibutyl terephthalate, respectively, based on the total weight of the mixture. Within the above-mentioned range, an effect of preparing a terephthalate-based material (mixture) having high process efficiency, and excellent processibility and absorption rate may be accomplished.

In addition, the mixture prepared by the trans-esterification may control a composition ratio of the mixture depending on the amount of the alcohol added.

The amount of the alcohol added may be 0.1 parts by weight to 89.9 parts by weight, specifically 3 parts by weight to 50 parts by weight and more specifically 5 parts by weight to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the terephthalate compound.

As for the terephthalate compound, a mole fraction of the terephthalate compound participating in the trans-esterification increases as the amount of the added alcohol increases, and therefore, content of the two terephthalate compounds, a product, may increase in the mixture, and accordingly, the content of the terephthalate compound present unreacted corresponding thereto tends to decrease.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a molar ratio of the terephthalate compound and the alcohol, which are reactants, may be, for example, from 1:0.005 to 5.0, from 1:0.05 to 2.5, or from 1:0.1 to 1.0, and in these ranges, an effect of preparing an ester-based plasticizer composition having high process efficiency and an excellent processibility improving effect is obtained.

However, the composition ratio of the mixture of the three types of terephthalate-based materials is not limited to the above-mentioned ranges, and the composition ratios may be changed by additionally introducing any one of the three types of terephthalate, and mixing composition ratios that may be used are as described above.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the trans-esterification may be conducted at a reaction temperature from 120° C. to 190° C., preferably from 135° C. to 180° C. and more preferably from 141° C. to 179° C. for 10 minutes to 10 hours, preferably from 30 minutes to 8 hours and more preferably from 1 hour to 6 hours. The mixture that is a terephthalate-based material having a target composition may be effectively obtained within the above-mentioned temperature and time ranges. Herein, the reaction time may be calculated from the time reaching a reaction temperature after raising the temperature of the reactants.

The trans-esterification may be conducted under the presence of an acid catalyst or a metal catalyst, and in this case, an effect of shorter reaction time is obtained.

For example, the acid catalyst may comprise sulfuric acid, methanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid or the like, and for example, the metal catalyst may comprise organic metal catalysts, metal oxide catalysts, metal salt catalysts or metals themselves.

For example, the metal component may be any one selected from the group consisting of tin, titanium and zirconium, or a mixture of two or more types of these.

In addition, removing unreacted alcohol and reaction byproducts such as an ester-based compound represented by Chemical Formula 3 by distillation may be further included after the trans-esterification reaction.

One example of the distillation may include two-step distillation carrying out separation of the alcohol and the reaction byproducts using a boiling point difference.

As another example, the distillation may be mixed distillation. In this case, an effect of relatively stably securing the ester-based plasticizer composition in a target composition is obtained. The mixed distillation means distilling the butanol and the reaction byproduct at the same time.

The direct esterification and a trans-esterification may also be used in preparing the hybrid or non-hybrid acetyl citrate-based material or the trimellitate-based material. In this case, like the terephthalate-based material, the acetyl citrate-based material may also be prepared as a mixed composition having a certain ratio, and a composition ratio of the produced mixture may be controlled depending on the adjustment of alcohol content as a reaction raw material.

Besides, when the acetyl citrate-based material or the trimellitate-based material is prepared by a direct esterification or a trans-esterification, descriptions used in preparing the terephthalate-based material may be used in the same manner.

A resin composition may comprise 5 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight, or 40 parts by weight to 50 parts by weight of the plasticizer composition based on 100 parts by weight of a resin. The resin is selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyketone, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomers. The resin composition is effective for all of compound formularization, sheet formularization and plastisol formularization.

As one example, the plasticizer composition may be used in manufacturing wires, flooring materials, automotive interior materials, films, sheets, wallpapers or tubes. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A plasticizer composition comprising: a mixture of three kinds of terephthalate-based materials; and epoxidized oil, wherein the mixture of three kinds is a first mixture of di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, butyl(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate and dibutyl terephthalate; a second mixture of diisononyl terephthalate, butylisononyl terephthalate and dibutyl terephthalate; or a third mixture of di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, (2-ethylhexyl)isononyl terephthalate and diisononyl terephthalate, and wherein the epoxidized oil is included in 20 wt % or greater with respect to the total amount of the plasticizer composition.
 2. The plasticizer composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the mixture and the epoxidized oil is from 80:20 to 50:50.
 3. The plasticizer composition of claim 1, wherein the first mixture comprises 3.0 mol % to 99.0 mol % of the di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate ; 0.5 mol% to 96.5 mol % of the butyl(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate; and 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the dibutyl terephthalate.
 4. The plasticizer composition of claim 1, wherein the second mixture comprises 3.0 mol % to 99.0 mol % of the diisononyl terephthalate; 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the butylisononyl terephthalate; and 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the dibutyl terephthalate.
 5. The plasticizer composition of claim 1, wherein the third mixture comprises 3.0 mol % to 99.0 mol % of the di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate in; 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the (2-ethylhexyl)isononyl terephthalate; and 0.5 mol % to 96.5 mol % of the diisononyl terephthalate.
 6. The plasticizer composition of claim 1, wherein the epoxidized oil comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized castor oil, epoxidized linseed oil, epoxidized palm oil, epoxidized stearate, epoxidized oleate, epoxidized tall oil and epoxidized linoleate.
 7. The plasticizer composition of claim 1, the plasticizer composition further comprises an additive, wherein the additive comprises an acetyl citrate-based material, a trimellitate-based material or a mixture thereof.
 8. The plasticizer composition of claim 7, wherein the additive is comprised 1 part by weight to 100 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the plasticizer composition.
 9. The plasticizer composition of claim 7, wherein the acetyl citrate-based compound comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a hybrid C4-C9 alkyl substituted acetyl citrate-based materials and a non-hybrid C4-C9 alkyl substituted acetyl citrate-based materials.
 10. The plasticizer composition of claim 7, wherein the trimellitate-based material comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of tri(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate, tributyl trimellitate and triisononyl trimellitate.
 11. A method for preparing the plasticizer composition of claim 1, comprising: providing a terephthalate-based material that is a mixture of three types, and epoxidized oil; and blending the terephthalate-based material and the epoxidized oil, wherein the epoxidized oil is included in 20 wt % or greater with respect to the total amount of the plasticizer composition, and wherein the mixture of three types is a first mixture mixing di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, butyl(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate and dibutyl terephthalate; a second mixture of diisononyl terephthalate, butylisononyl terephthalate and dibutyl terephthalate; or a third mixture of di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, (2-ethylhexyl)isononyl terephthalate and diisononyl terephthalate.
 12. The method for preparing a plasticizer composition of claim 11, wherein the terephthalate-based material is prepared by conducting direct esterification of an alcohol and a terephthalic acid, the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, isononyl alcohol, butyl alcohol and isobutyl alcohol, and terephthalic acid; or conducting transesterification of a terephthalate and an alcohol, the terephthalate is any one selected from the group consisting of di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate and diisononyl terephthalate, and the alcohol is any one selected from the group consisting of butyl alcohol and isobutyl alcohol.
 13. The method for preparing a plasticizer composition of claim 11, further comprising, after blending to prepare a plasticizer composition, mixing 1 part by weight to 100parts by weight of an additive based on 100 parts by weight of the plasticizer composition.
 14. The method for preparing a plasticizer composition of claim 13, wherein the additive comprises an acetyl citrate-based material, a trimellitate-based material or a mixture thereof.
 15. A resin composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of a resin; and 5 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight of the plasticizer composition of claim
 1. 16. The resin composition of claim 15, wherein the resin is at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polyketone, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomers.
 17. The resin composition of claim 15, wherein the resin composition is a material for at least one selected from the group consisting of wires, flooring materials, automotive interior materials, films, sheets, wallpapers and tubes. 